And guess what? The awards ceremony was interspersed with a symphony of dance, instrumental and vocal performances by internationally acclaimed artists from India. I witnessed some blazing performances by maestros like Pandit Birju Maharaj and Pandit Shivkumar Sharma. Along with Pandit Shivkumar Sharma in the picture is Yogesh Samsi, who is one of the rare tabla players, son of renowned vocalist Pandit Dinkar Kaikini. Yogesh Samsi received intense training from legendary Ustad Alla Rakha for 23 years and has till date accompanied almost all top ranking instrumentalists, vocalists and dancers of India. Also present were Dr Balamurali Krishna and Pandit Ajoy Chakraborty, who touched the soul of the audience with a wonderful fusion.
Both Pandit Birju Maharaj and Pandit Shivkumar Sharma were very down to earth and patiently posed with everyone for the pictures. It was a real pleasure to watch them perform today and it certainly made my day. It was a really memorable experience.
I was also privileged to have picture with some of them.
From L-R, Yogesh Samsi, Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, Viken Parikh, Ruchir Shah
Viken Parikh (left) and Ruchir Shah(centre) with Pandit Birju Maharaj (right)
